A leading agricultural banker is set to join the board of north-east farmers’ co-operative ANM Group.
Jane Mitchell, who up until recently worked as a senior partner in agribusiness and head of customer banking at Clydesdale Bank’s Thainstone branch, will join the ANM board in January.
Ms Mitchell is a chartered accountant and graduate from Aberdeen University where she completed a BSc in agriculture, agronomy and crop science.
A book-keeper at the family dairy farm – E. Mitchell and Sons at Inveramsay Farm, Pitcaple, which is run by her father Alex and brother Roy – Ms Mitchell completed the Scottish Enterprise rural leadership programme last year.
She said: “Agriculture is a business that I’ve not only known throughout my studies and my career, I’ve been personally involved in the sector my whole life: my family’s been farming here since the late 1920s.
“It’s a challenging industry, but the considerable skills, knowledge and dedication of the people involved continue to make it a success.
“And the strength and depth of ANM Group, it’s diverse footprint and broad geographical spread, ensures we’re well placed to meet these challenges. I’m honoured to be joining the board.”
Chairman Pat Machray said Ms Mitchell’s farming experience and financial acumen were “formidable” and she would make a “significant contribution to the group at this important time”.
Ms Mitchell’s appointment follows two other appointments to the board in October – former Turriff Show president Stuart Stephen and Harbro UK sales manager for beef and sheep, David Mackenzie.
Mr Machray said: “The combined skills and strength of expertise, harnessed through all three recent appointments, brings a great deal to our co-operative: ensuring we are well placed to respond constructively to the challenging conditions being felt across the farming industry, as well as in the wider north-east economy.”
ANM Group chief executive, Grant Rogerson, welcomed the appointments and said the new board members would help the co-op deliver best value for its members and customers.